{"product_id":"matchbox-pk-112-fairey-swordfish-mk-i-mk-iii-1-72-scale-plastic-model-kit","title":"Matchbox PK-112 Fairey Swordfish Mk.I\/Mk.III — 1\/72 Scale Plastic model kit","description":"\u003cp\u003eManufacturer: Matchbox \/ Lesney\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Kit number: PK-112\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    UPC: 035995421271\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Aircraft: Fairey Swordfish Mk.I \/ Mk.III\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Scale: 1\/72\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Type: British WWII torpedo bomber \/ naval strike aircraft\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Original tooling: 1974\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Original parts: approximately 68 pieces\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Status: Out of production as a Matchbox kit\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Later history: tooling was subsequently reissued under Revell\/Matchbox-related packaging, with a later 40120 Swordfish II\/III version.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 1974 Matchbox release is particularly recognisable from its orange-series packaging. The original kit was produced in three plastic colours and contained approximately 68\n\u003cbr\u003eMatchbox and the history of the kit\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMatchbox's plastic model range was produced by Lesney Products, the British company best known for the Matchbox toy-car range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe plastic-kit division developed a distinctive approach during the 1970s: relatively inexpensive kits, often moulded in several colours, with colourful packaging and subjects that covered a wide range of British and international aircraft.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Swordfish was one of the company's early 1\/72 aircraft subjects, first appearing in 1974 as PK-112. The tooling subsequently went through several box-art and packaging changes. Specialist kit records identify releases in 1974, 1979, 1983 and 1992, followed by a later 1998 version with revised box artwork, decals and the new 40120 catalogue number.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis means that the barcode you supplied is especially useful: it identifies the classic PK-112 rather than one of the later reboxed versions.\n\u003cbr\u003eKit contents\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe original PK-112 is a relatively simple vintage 1\/72 kit by modern standards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eContemporary modelling examination records approximately:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    56 principal parts\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    additional rockets\/ordnance\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    display stand\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    approximately 68 pieces overall depending upon how the separate weapons and stand are counted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe kit includes the principal Swordfish airframe, wings, struts, undercarriage, engine, propeller, cockpit components and weapons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the interesting features is that the kit allows the modeller to represent either a Mk.I torpedo bomber or Mk.III rocket-armed aircraft. The documented markings include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    824 Squadron, HMS Eagle, associated with the Taranto attack period in 1940;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    No. 119 Squadron, RAF Coastal Command, 1945.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Mk.I version uses a torpedo arrangement, while the Mk.III option uses eight rockets and their launch rails.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe kit was intentionally designed as an accessible model rather than a highly detailed museum-quality reproduction. Contemporary reviews describe the cockpit as sparse, while praising the representation of the radial engine and the fabric-covered surfaces.\n\u003cbr\u003eVintage Matchbox characteristics\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe model displays several features typical of 1970s Matchbox kits:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    coloured plastic;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    relatively low parts count;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    simplified cockpit;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    relatively deep panel lines;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    separate struts and biplane components;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    useful alternative weapon configurations;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    colourful packaging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe deep recessed panel lines—often jokingly described by modellers as \"Matchbox trenches\"—are characteristic of many kits from this period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor a collector, however, those features are part of the identity of the original Matchbox tooling.\n\u003cbr\u003eThe real aircraft — Fairey Swordfish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Fairey Swordfish was a British carrier-based biplane torpedo bomber developed for the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt first flew in 1934 and entered service in 1936.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBy the beginning of the Second World War it was already technologically old-fashioned compared with modern monoplane fighters and bombers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNevertheless, its combination of low-speed handling, robust construction, long endurance and excellent carrier suitability allowed it to remain in front-line service throughout the war.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMore than 2,300 Swordfish were produced, and the type remained operational until 1945.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThat makes the Swordfish an excellent example of an aircraft whose operational usefulness lasted far beyond the period in which its basic design would normally have been considered modern.\n\u003cbr\u003eDesign\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Swordfish was a conventional-looking but highly capable biplane.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt featured:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    two-seat\/three-seat configurations depending upon version;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    folding wings for carrier storage;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    fixed undercarriage;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    fabric-covered wings and control surfaces;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    a large radial engine;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    torpedo-carrying capability;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    bombs or rockets depending upon configuration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe aircraft's relatively low speed was actually an advantage for some naval operations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts low-speed handling allowed it to operate from aircraft carriers and conduct torpedo attacks at speeds that were manageable for the crews.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe drawback was that the Swordfish was extremely vulnerable when exposed to modern fighters.\n\u003cbr\u003eEngine\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe principal wartime Swordfish Mk.I used the Bristol Pegasus radial engine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDepending on the specific installation, output was approximately 690 hp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe aircraft's relatively modest power and large biplane wings resulted in a maximum speed of only around 140 mph \/ 225 km\/h.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThat figure seems astonishingly low when compared with contemporary fighters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eYet the Swordfish was never intended to compete with fighters. Its purpose was to deliver torpedoes, bombs or rockets against ships and coastal targets.\n\u003cbr\u003eArmament\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Swordfish could carry a variety of weapons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts most famous weapon was the 18-inch aerial torpedo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt could also carry:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    bombs;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    depth charges;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    rockets;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    machine guns.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe later Mk.III incorporated equipment particularly useful for anti-submarine work, including radar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis made the Swordfish useful even after its torpedo-bomber role had become increasingly dangerous.\n\u003cbr\u003eThe Taranto attack\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Swordfish's most famous operation was the British attack on the Italian fleet at Taranto on 11–12 November 1940.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAircraft from HMS Illustrious attacked the Italian naval base using torpedoes and bombs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe operation demonstrated that carrier aircraft could inflict serious damage on heavily protected battleships inside a major naval harbour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe attack damaged several Italian battleships and other vessels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt subsequently became one of the most important examples of carrier air power before the attack on Pearl Harbor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Heller\/Matchbox kit's 824 Squadron HMS Eagle marking is especially interesting because the Swordfish also played a central role in Mediterranean carrier operations during this period.\n\u003cbr\u003eThe sinking of Bismarck\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Swordfish is also inseparably associated with the destruction of the German battleship Bismarck.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn May 1941, Swordfish aircraft from HMS Ark Royal attacked Bismarck.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne torpedo struck the ship's stern and damaged the steering system, leaving Bismarck unable to manoeuvre effectively.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe battleship was subsequently intercepted and destroyed by British surface forces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Swordfish therefore played a critical role in one of the most famous naval actions of WWII.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe episode also demonstrates the remarkable effectiveness of a seemingly obsolete aircraft: slow and vulnerable, but capable of delivering a weapon that could fundamentally alter the tactical situation.\n\u003cbr\u003eWhy the Swordfish remained in service\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Swordfish was gradually replaced in the torpedo-bomber role by aircraft such as the Fairey Albacore and later the Fairey Barracuda.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, it remained useful for other missions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts low-speed characteristics were particularly valuable for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    anti-submarine patrols;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    convoy escort;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    reconnaissance;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    naval attack;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    night operations;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    mine-laying;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    rocket attacks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Swordfish eventually became an important anti-submarine aircraft.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis explains why it remained operational until the end of the European war despite its obsolete appearance.\n\u003cbr\u003eSwordfish Mk.III\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Mk.III introduced a distinctive radar installation and was primarily intended for anti-submarine warfare.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis makes the Matchbox PK-112 particularly interesting because the modeller can depict two significantly different stages of the Swordfish's career.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Mk.I represents the famous early-war torpedo-bomber period, while the Mk.III represents the later anti-submarine role.\n\u003cbr\u003eProduction\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eApproximately 2,400 Swordfish were produced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eProduction was undertaken by Fairey and other manufacturers because the aircraft remained in demand for much longer than initially anticipated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe aircraft's longevity is particularly notable given that it had first flown before the outbreak of WWII.\n\u003cbr\u003eSurvivors\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA number of original Swordfish survive in museums and collections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSeveral examples have been preserved in the UK, including aircraft associated with the Fleet Air Arm Museum and other aviation collections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike many less famous WWII aircraft, the Swordfish has a reasonably strong surviving historical presence, making it possible to compare the Matchbox kit with real aircraft.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Matchbox","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57512972157308,"sku":"Matchbox-PK-112","price":17.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0432\/8584\/0033\/files\/F7DD9B6A-5CBD-4710-AE7C-F3AB49FCD71E.jpg?v=1790663380","url":"https:\/\/sussex-model-centre.co.uk\/products\/matchbox-pk-112-fairey-swordfish-mk-i-mk-iii-1-72-scale-plastic-model-kit","provider":"Sussex Model Centre","version":"1.0","type":"link"}